SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Session i May 22, 2017

11. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION - U.S. ROUTE 58

At its May 11, 2017 meeting, the Planning Commission resolved to request the Board of Supervisors to pursue a reduction in the statutory speed limit on that certain section of Southampton Parkway between Jerusalem Road and Camp Parkway. A copy of their recommendation is attached. It is important to recognize that establishment of maximum speed limits in Virginia is not a political process. §46.2-870 of the Code of Virginia provides that the maximum speed limit on nonlimited access highways having four or more lanes is 55 MPH, unless otherwise prescribed following a traffic engineering investigation authorized by the State Commissioner of Highways and conducted by VDOT Regional Traffic Engineers. The engineering investigation includes an evaluation of the physical characteristics of the road such as geometry, lane and shoulder widths, the volume and type of vehicles utilizing the roadway, the commercial and residential development along the road and the related traffic, and the historical number and type of crashes. The latest speed study for this particular corridor was completed in July 2015 and concluded that a change in the statutory 55 MPH speed limit was not warranted at that time. I have confirmed with Mr. Kee that VDOT is presently conducting an updated speed study and the results are expected to be available in 2-3 weeks. If the Board is compelled to weigh-in on this matter, the position should be to support a reduction in the maximum posted speed, if warranted by the updated traffic study. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Planning Commission recommendation. 2. Code of Virginia - Maximum speed limits generally. 3. Code of Virginia - Authority to change speed limits. 4. VDOT Policy - Speed limit change process. 5. Southampton Parkway Speed Study - July 2015.

Mike Johnson

From: Beth Lewis <blewis@franklinva.com>Sent: Friday, May 12, 2017 8:57 AMTo: Mike JohnsonSubject: from PCAttachments: to BOS from PC May 11 2017 re speed limit.pdf

Mike, The Planning Commission last evening asked that this be passed on to the BOS on their behalf. Thank you, Beth  Beth Lewis, AICP Deputy Director Franklin Southampton Community Development 207 West 2nd Avenue Franklin, VA 23851 757.562.1003  

FRANKLIN – SOUTHAMPTON

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

207 WEST SECOND AVENUE, FRANKLIN VIRGINIA 23851

OFFICE: 757-562-8580 FAX: 757-562-0870

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING - BUILDING INSPECTIONS – ZONING

MEMORANDUM To: Southampton County Board of Supervisors Michael Johnson, County Administrator From: Beth Lewis, AICP, Community Development Deputy Director Date: May 12, 2017 RE: Planning Commission action At their regular April 13, 2017 meeting, the Planning Commission heard from several citizens during the public comment period requesting their attention to the issue of excessive speed along US 58 in the Food Lion/Dairy Queen area. It was requested by the citizens that the Planning Commission members sign a petition that is to be submitted to the Virginia Department of Transportation by local citizens making the request that for the sake of safety and economic development and continued viability, the speed limit along US 58 in that area be reduced from the posted 55 MPH to a posted 45 MPH. The Planning Commission decided to review the report adopted by the Board of Supervisors on November 23, 2015, as well as visit the area with the express view towards looking at speed and safety issues prior to the May 11 meeting. At their regular May 11, 2017 meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously, with Robert White absent, made the following request of the Board of Supervisors: The Planning Commission sends notice to the Board of Supervisors asking that the Board pursue a drop in the speed limit on US 58/Southampton Parkway from the under-construction Courtland interchange eastward to the intersection of US 58/Southampton Parkway and Camp Parkway. The Planning Commission further strongly urges that this request be forwarded to Charles Kilpatrick, Commissioner of VDOT and the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Code of VirginiaTitle 46.2. Motor VehiclesChapter 8. Regulation of Traffic    § 46.2-870. Maximum speed limits generally  Except as otherwise provided in this article, the maximum speed limit shall be 55 miles per houron interstate highways or other limited access highways with divided roadways, nonlimitedaccess highways having four or more lanes, and all state primary highways.  The maximum speed limit on all other highways shall be 55 miles per hour if the vehicle is apassenger motor vehicle, bus, pickup or panel truck, or a motorcycle, but 45 miles per hour onsuch highways if the vehicle is a truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles designed totransport property, or is a motor vehicle being used to tow a vehicle designed for self-propulsion,or a house trailer.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the maximum speed limit shall be 70miles per hour where indicated by lawfully placed signs, erected subsequent to a trafficengineering study and analysis of available and appropriate accident and law-enforcement data,on: (i) interstate highways, (ii) multilane, divided, limited access highways, and (iii) high-occupancy vehicle lanes if such lanes are physically separated from regular travel lanes. Themaximum speed limit shall be 60 miles per hour where indicated by lawfully placed signs, erectedsubsequent to a traffic engineering study and analysis of available and appropriate accident andlaw-enforcement data, on U.S. Route 23, U.S. Route 29, U.S. Route 58, U.S. Alternate Route 58,U.S. Route 360, U.S. Route 460, and on U.S. Route 17 between the Town of Port Royal and Saludawhere they are nonlimited access, multilane, divided highways.  Code 1950, § 46-212; 1950, p. 881; 1952, c. 666; 1954, c. 244; 1956, c. 364; 1958, c. 541, §§ 46.1-193, 46.1-401; 1960, c. 153; 1962, c. 307; 1964, cc. 118, 408; 1966, c. 85; 1968, c. 641; 1972, cc. 89,546, 553, 608; 1974, c. 528; 1975, c. 533; 1977, c. 577; 1978, c. 605; 1980, c. 347; 1986, c. 639;1988, cc. 662, 897; 1989, cc. 276, 526, 727; 1992, c. 598; 1994, c. 423;1996, c. 1;1998, cc. 546, 560;1999, c. 142;2001, c. 298;2002, c. 872;2003, c. 838;2004, c. 696;2005, cc. 266, 267, 268;2006, c.213;2007, cc. 222, 544;2010, cc. 26, 56;2014, c. 91.  The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this sectionmay not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whoseprovisions have expired. 

1 5/16/2017

Code of VirginiaTitle 46.2. Motor VehiclesChapter 8. Regulation of Traffic    § 46.2-878. Authority to change speed limits  A. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this article, the Commissioner of Highways or otherauthority having jurisdiction over highways may decrease the speed limits set forth in § 46.2-870and may increase or decrease the speed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873 through 46.2-875 on anyhighway under its jurisdiction; and may establish differentiated speed limits for daytime andnighttime by decreasing for nighttime driving the speed limits set forth in § 46.2-870 and byincreasing for daytime or decreasing for nighttime the speed limits set forth in §§ 46.2-873through 46.2-875 on any highway under his jurisdiction. Such increased or decreased speedlimits and such differentiated speed limits for daytime and nighttime driving shall be effectiveonly when prescribed after a traffic engineering investigation and when indicated on the highwayby signs. It shall be unlawful to operate any motor vehicle in excess of speed limits establishedand posted as provided in this section. The increased or decreased speed limits over highwaysunder the control of the Commissioner of Highways shall be effective only when prescribed inwriting by the Commissioner of Highways and kept on file in the Central Office of theDepartment of Transportation. Whenever the speed limit on any highway has been increased ordecreased or a differential speed limit has been established and such speed limit is properlyposted, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the change in speed was properlyestablished in accordance with the provisions of this section.  B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, including the provisions of subsection A,the governing body of any town located entirely within the confines of a United States militarybase may by ordinance reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour on any highwaywithin its boundaries, provided such reduced speed limit is indicated by lawfully placed signs.  Code 1950, § 46-212; 1950, p. 881; 1952, c. 666; 1954, c. 244; 1956, c. 364; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-193; 1960, c. 153; 1962, c. 307; 1964, cc. 118, 408; 1966, c. 85; 1968, c. 641; 1972, cc. 89, 546, 553,608; 1974, c. 528; 1977, c. 577; 1978, c. 605; 1980, c. 347; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 779; 1993, c. 98;2013, c. 303.  The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this sectionmay not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whoseprovisions have expired. 

1 5/16/2017

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION

MEMORANDUM

GENERAL SUBJECT:

Engineering & Administration

NUMBER:

365.0

SUPERSEDES:

N/A

SPECIFIC SUBJECT:

Speed Limit Change Process

DATE:

02/11/11

Errata changes Oct. 27, 2014

SUNSET DATE:

N/A

DIRECTED TO:

District Administrators Regional Operations Directors Regional Traffic Engineers

SIGNATURE:

Signed by Raymond J. Khoury, P.E.

February 11, 2011

Original on file in the Traffic Engineering Division

DPM 9-7 (Speed Limits on State-Controlled Roads) establishes general policy on setting speed limits, and delegates the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner's authority to change speed limits in accordance with §§ 46.2-870 and 46.2-878 of the Code of Virginia. This memorandum provides procedures on how this authority is to be implemented.

Duties and Roles

Regional Traffic Engineers shall: 1. Review speed limit change requests submitted to VDOT and determine which

requests meet the eligibility criteria for a full study. 2. Conduct the required engineering study using the latest methodology and policy

guidance, and solicit available data, concurrence or comments from state and local law enforcement authorities and from the locality as appropriate.

3. Sign and seal engineering study. 4. Keep the District Administrators apprised of speed studies and results. 5. Approve the speed limit. 6. Forward the final, signed & sealed engineering studies with Regional Traffic

Engineer approval signature, to the Central Office Traffic Engineering Division. For interstate routes, concurrent approval is required by the State Traffic Engineer.

Regional Operations Directors shall:

1. Insure the installation of the speed limit signs in a timely fashion, normally within 30 calendar days of the determination that a speed limit be posted or changed.

2. Notify the Central Office Traffic Engineering Division of the date & location of all speed limit postings.

The State Traffic Engineer shall: 1. Provide concurrent approval, as appropriate, for speed limit changes for study

recommendations on interstate highways. 2. Maintain the written records of speed limit changes as required by the Code of

Virginia in the Central Office. 3. Maintain a database of speed limits on VDOT-maintained roads. 4. Annually audit a sample of speed limit studies to improve consistency and

conformity.

Speed Study Review Criteria

The criteria used by VDOT, in determining whether a full speed study should be performed, vary based on the type of road and type of speed limit. Criteria shall be applied by State and Regional Traffic Engineers as follows: Statutory Speed Limits – Statutory speed limits are not generally posted on secondary roads but are typically posted for primary routes. If a determination is made to post the speed limit, and the statutory speed limit for that road is appropriate based on engineering judgment, then the statutory speed limit may be posted without conducting a full speed limit study. If the maximum safe speed of the horizontal or vertical alignment of the road is below the statutory speed limit, appropriate warning signs must be posted prior to posting the statutory speed limit. All Rural Rustic Roads are to be posted. Statutory speed limits for various localities and types of roads are set out in §§ 46.2-870, 46.2-873.1, 46.2-873.2, and 46.2-874 of the Code of Virginia. Posted Speed Limits – Posted speed limits may be based on statutory limits or established through speed limit studies. If there has been no significant change (e.g., there has been no significant increase in the frequency or severity of crashes, no significant increase in traffic volumes or roadside development) since a properly established speed limit was last posted, since the last speed study was conducted, or within an appropriate evaluation period, and there has been no improvement to the roadway (e.g., no project completed to reconstruct or realign the roadway), then a study does not need to be conducted and the posted speed limit may remain. Low Volume Roads - If the road is unpaved, or has a traffic count of less than 400 vehicles per day (VPD) and averages fewer than three crashes per year over a recent 3 year period, it should be reviewed only for warning signs or other necessary traffic control devices. If there is a crash history where an average of three or more crashes per year over a recent 3 year period has occurred; or, if there are more than 10

entrances, on a single side, per mile of roadway, a more detailed field review of the road section should be conducted. Interstates – For consideration of Interstate speed limit increases, the roadway should be compared to the criteria in VDOT’s Guidelines for Interstate Speed Zoning to determine if the existing speed limit is appropriate. If the existing speed limit appears appropriate in comparison with the Guidelines, then the speed limit remains the same and a study is not required. Where a decrease in the speed limit for a section of Interstate is being considered, and there has been no significant change (e.g., there has been no significant increase in the frequency or severity of crashes and no significant increase in traffic volumes) since the speed limit was last posted, since the last speed study was conducted, or within an appropriate evaluation period, then the speed limit remains the same and a study is not required.

Reference

Code of Virginia, §§ 2.2-604 and 33.1-8 33.2-224

Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-870, 46.2-873.1, 46.2-873.2, 46.2-874, 46.2-878

DPM 9-7 (Speed Limits on State-Controlled Roads) [2/11/2011] DPM 9-7 speed limit

2-11-11.pdf

VDOT's Guidelines for Interstate Speed Zoning

VDOT’s Speed Study Template

CC: Mr. Greg Whirley Mr. Charles Kilpatrick, P.E.

Ms. Constance S. Sorrell Mr. Malcolm T. Kerley, P.E. Regional Operations Maintenance Managers Residency Maintenance Managers

Code 33.1-8 replaced byCode 33.2-224. Erratachange 10/27/14

Code 33.1-8 replaced byCode 33.2-224. Erratachange 10/27/14

L '

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

HAMPTON ROADS DISTRICT 1700 NORTH MAIN STREET SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA 23434

Charles A. Kilpatrick, P.E. Commissioner

July 16, 2015

MEMORANDUM

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

Mr. Joe Lomax II n J Mr. Robert A. Weber Ill, P.E., PTOE ~ Southampton Parkway Speed Study (SH-0058-20150619-SP) US Route 58 Southampton County

Per your request this office has conducted an engineering speed study of US Route 58 in Southampton County between the City of Franklin and the Town of Courtland. This review was carried out in accordance with MUTCD Chapter 28.13 per Federal milndate and Virginia policy.

According to our findings a change in the Statutory 55 MPH speed limit is not justified at this time. This conclusion is a result of prevailing speed measurements, a crash review, and other factors contained in the attached report.

This traffic data was collected and compiled by Frank Prescott, Engineering Technician III. If additional information is needed please contact this office.

Attachment

WE KEEP VIRGINIA MOVING

VDOT Speed Limit Study

Eastern Region Traffic Engineering

Date 7/16/2015

Study Area:

Route # 58 Street name: Southampton Pkwy. Jurisdiction: Southampton County From: Route 742 Old Bridge Rd. To: 58 Bus Camp Pkwy. Length: 2.41 Miles

Functional Class: 3-Principal Rural Minor Arterial

Speed limit for study roadway:

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VDOT - Tramc Engineering Suffolk, VA

Traffic Engineer

The study section is posted and governed by a statutory 55 mph speed limit. To the west of the study segment the roadway is posted 60 mph by resolution dated 6/27/2006. To the east the roadway is statutory 55 mph.

Origin and Nature of Request: A citizen contacted the VDOT Commissioner and a County Board Supervisor requesting that the 55 mph speed limit be reduced to 45 mph.

Study Results and Recommendation: Based on the information contained in this report, Traffic Engineering does not recommend a change in the statutory 55 mph speed limit. While the 85th percentile speed and low crash rate would seem to indicate that increasing the speed limit to 60 mph is warranted, this is offset by the number and spacing of commercial entrances in this segment.

Study Details:

A. Speed Data

............... _ ............ - -_ ... _ ......................... --- --, -_.-Route 58 Speed Data

85'" Median Pace

Sample Location Percentile Speed Speed

Speed US 58 Between Rte 58 BUS (Camp Pkwy) & Rte 650 62.8 57.1 55-65 US 58 Between Rte 650 & Rte 742 (Old Bridge Rd) 60.0 54.4 55-65

B. Road characteristics

Physical Roadway: This segment of US 58 is 4-lane divided with a grass median and carries AADT of 20,400 (2014) vehicles per day. Travel lane widths are 12 foot and grass shoulder widths vary from 2 - 8 feet in width. Pavement and shoulders are in excellent condition. There are six horizontal curves within this segment, and two 4-way and four 3-way intersections. Sight distance along this segment exceeds minimum AASHTO requirements.

Traffic Control Devices: The intersection of US 58 with Route 650 (Storys Station Rd. ) and Route 780 (Agripark Rd) is controlled by a traffic signal and there are TRAFFIC SIGNAL AHEAD warning signs prior to this signal. These warning signs are supplemented with 45 mph advisory speed plates and alternating fiashing amber beacons.

The intersection of Route 742 (Old Bridge Rd.) at US 58 is STOP sign controlled.

Page 1 of 3

Page 2 of 3

The intersection of US 58 and Route 58 Business (Jerusalem Rd.) is controlled by a traffic signal and there are TRAFFIC SIGNAL AHEAD warning signs prior to this signal. These warning signs are supplemented with 45 mph advisory speed plates and alternating flashing amber beacons.

The intersection of US 58 and Route 58 Business (Camp Pkwy.) is STOP sign controlled at the crossover and YIELD sign controlled at the right turn lane.

The intersection of Route 650 (Shady Brook Tr.) at US 58 is STOP sign controlled. There are WATCH FOR TURNING VEHICLES signs on the east approach to this intersection.

The intersection of Route 688 (Newmarket Rd.) at US 58 is STOP sign controlled.

C. Roadside development and environment: There are several commercial entities that lie along this segment of Route 58 for 19 commercial entrances that feed traffic into these businesses. There are also 6 residential entrances on this route as well. There are two fast-food chain restaurants, two convenience stores, one grocery store. There is a small strip mall on the west side of Route 58 containing several small businesses and an adjacent mini-storage facility. The ingress/egress at this strip mall is a right-inright-out design. There are eleven crossovers located within this stretch of Route 58, two of which are signalized. Field observations showed conflicts with vehicles entering/exiting the roadway to be moderate.

D. Parking practices and pedestrian activity: Field observations indicated no roadside parking or pedestrian activity.

E. Reported crash experience for most recent 3-year period:

Crash records obtained through “RNS” are for the period: From: May 1, 2012 To: April 20, 2015 Length of period: 3 Years

Note: Only crashes involving an injury or fatality or property damage exceeding $1,500 are reportable and available through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Also, due to the time required for DMV to process and code reported crashes, data for the previous six (6) months may not be available.

According to our records, the total number of reported crashes for this section of highway is: 19

And, the total number of reported injuries for this section of highway is: 14

And, the total number of reported fatalities for this section of highway is: 0

The crash rate for this section of highway is: 41.0 per 100 million VMT.

The injury rate for this section of highway is: 31.2 per 100 million VMT.

The fatality rate for this section of highway is: 0.00 per 100 million VMT.

For Primary, divided, no control of access highways:

The statewide average crash rate is: 113.1 per 100 million VMT.

The statewide average injury rate is: 63.4 per 100 million VMT.

The state average fatality rate is: 0.83 per 100 million VMT.

Discussion of crash experience and relevant information:The corridor experiences a remarkably low rate of crashes. Of the 19 crashes recorded, 5 were a result of driving too fast for weather conditions, 5 were a result of a driver disregarding a traffic controls device – either a traffic signal or stop sign, 4 were a result of driver distraction, and the remainder were made up of following too closely or mechanical failure.

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1

Weber, Robert. (VDOT)

From: Lomax, Joe E (VDOT) <joe.lomax@vdot.virginia.gov>Sent: Monday, June 29, 2015 9:49 AMTo: Kee, Jerry (VDOT); Weber, Robert. (VDOT)Subject: FW: Highway 58 Issues - Courtland VA

��From: Utterback, James S., PMP (VDOT) Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2015 7:37 AM To: Lomax, Joe E (VDOT) Subject: Fwd: Highway 58 Issues - Courtland VA

FYI.

James S. Utterback

District Administrator

VDOT Hampton Roads District

Office: 757-925-2511

Begin forwarded message:

From: Warren Simmons <wsimmons@truevine.net>

Date: June 26, 2015 at 9:21:31 AM EDT

To: "Utterback, James S., PMP (VDOT)" <James.Utterback@VDOT.virginia.gov>

Cc: <charlie.kilpatrick@vdot.virginia.gov>

Subject: Re: Highway 58 Issues - Courtland VA

Thank you for your response. You indicate that the 55 mph speed limit is confirmed....does that mean your study indicates people are driving only 55 mph.........and if it does, your study is 100% incorrect. I LIVE here and drive 55 mph or less all the time (my sister was killed in a car accident and you don't have to worry about me not obeying speed limits) and trucks nearly run over me getting into my driveway. Cars blow by me when I am driving this highway going at least 10- 15 miles per hour faster. Your studies - if this is the case, are distorted and inaccurate, and I am so sorry to have to say that. However, it is time to step to the plate and let's make this a safe place on the highways.

And as as far as your new study is concerned, the sneak preview at the regular monthly Supervisor Board meeting indicates people are currently driving an average of at least 9 mph OVER the speed limit!

Maybe I am misunderstanding your first statement of the second paragraph. Do not wait until people are killed to do a knee jerk and react. Let's be proactive....it's serious, and the ENTIRE Board of Supervisors of Southampton County know that, as they spoke and confirmed this argument, one by one, after I presented my letter to them. They most all have had near misses just as I and others have when driving in this area. The speed limit needs to be 45 mph and strictly enforced. Period.

Thank you,

2

Linda Daughtrey Simmons

From: "Utterback, James S., PMP (VDOT)" <James.Utterback@VDOT.virginia.gov>To: "Warren Simmons" <wsimmons@truevine.net>Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2015 4:41:05 PM Subject: Highway 58 Issues - Courtland VA

Dear Mrs. Simmons:

Commissioner Kilpatrick asked that I thank you for your letter concerning the speed limit and

safety issues on a portion of U.S. Route 58 in Southampton County.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) records show several past speed studies for this

corridor which confirm the 55 MPH speed limit. However, an up-to-date speed study will be

requested and performed as soon as possible.

In addition, the Department commissioned the U. S. Route 58 Corridor Study to develop a

planning level document that provides a technical review and analysis of the three (3) mile study

area corridor. The study will assist in determining the impacts of future growth and development

and serve as a planning tool to assist the Town of Courtland, Southampton County, and VDOT in

identifying and developing strategies necessary to support anticipated traffic growth and

economic vitality throughout the study area. A Citizens Information Meeting will be held on

Monday, June 29th

, beginning at 5:30 PM to share information with property owners along the

corridor, as well as other interested citizens, and to obtain their feedback. The Citizens

Information Meeting will be held at the Southampton County Administration Building, located at

26022 Administration Center Drive in Courtland

Southampton County falls within VDOT’s Franklin Residency and Mr. Joe Lomax is the

Residency Administrator. If you wish to discuss your concerns further, or need additional

information, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Lomax directly. You may contact him at

(757) 346-3065 or via e-mail at Joe.Lomax@vdot.virginia.gov.

James S. UtterbackDistrict AdministratorVDOT Hampton Roads DistrictOFFICE: 757-925-2511FAX: 757-925-1618��From: Warren Simmons [mailto:wsimmons@truevine.net]Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 11:16 AM To: Kilpatrick, Charlie A., P.E. (VDOT) Subject: Highway 58 Issues - Courtland VA

Mr. Kilpatrick,

I am attaching a letter for you that I will present to the Southampton County Board of Supervisors Monday, June 22, 2015 at 7 p.m. I am copying you on this letter, and I anticipate your VDOT representative for our area may be present at the meeting. If so, he also will receive a copy. I look forward to meeting him.

3

My name is Linda Daughtrey Simmons, and I have lived at 27511 Southampton Parkway for 37 years. I live on a farm adjacent to what has become in the last 37 years a compilation of residential, commercial, and industrial business. Traffic volume as I am sure you can check , reaches 25,000 vehicles per day.

You may read the rest of my letter as attached, but the purpose of the letter is to introduce you to the fact we need the speed limit lowered in the area between the two stop lights. There are 30 businesses and 6 residential properties inside this area. The speed of 60 miles per hour, which is consistently higher in reality, is dangerous. The area needs to be made 45 mph maximum and enforced, such as is done with Hwy 58 in town limits of Emporia, and as is done on Highway 58 in Suffolk. We cannot continue without fatalities with the volume of tractor trailers and interaction of school buses and our children, our businesses, our patrons, and our farmers who run a farming operation in the midst the way we are going. People who live inside this tract should not have to be nearly killed turning into their properties. We owe people more than this lack of accountability for danger! We must be preventative, not reactive.

I am asking for your support and I will continue to solicit the same from people who live and work here. A couple weeks ago, I witnessed a bone-chilling "near miss" with a school bus nearing a changing stop light near the Food Lion Intersection, with three tractor trailers going about 70 mph behind her. The bus driver had to run the red light to survive. This finally prompted my letter.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to receiving a response and action in a duly reasonable amount of time. There is not funding enough to recompense the grief if we kill any one person, but God forbid if we kill a busload of our children from this county. Only once will be too much, and we cannot wait any longer.

Thank you so much for your attention to this matter.

Linda Daughtrey Simmons757-653-2613